Thursday, July 18, 2002
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- City commissioners expect to introduce an ordinance in August raising residential, commercial and industrial sewer user fees.
Just how much of an increase is coming has yet to be decided, however.
City Manager Gary Hinkson said the city has learned that revenues haven't kept pace with rising operations costs and the need for sewer line improvements.
Residential customers pay a flat fee of $66 per quarter, and Hinkson said the state Department of Environmental Protection has told the city its rates are among the lowest in the state.
The department has suggested $30 a month ($90 per quarter) would be a more reasonable fee, he said.
The Hermitage flat rate was $73.25 for residential customers in 1993, but the commissioners have reduced it twice since then to $66 per quarter.
Hinkson said the commissioners, meeting in a work session Thursday, directed the city administrative staff to finalize some numbers and present a new fee ordinance for consideration in August.
Hinkson said how much of an increase will be needed is uncertain, but it will be "more than $3 or $4."
Commercial and industrial rates will rise as well, he said.